Best rack for a sedan?

[capybaras]

What is the best rack to put on a sedan that is not a roof rack? Do any of them allow you to open the trunk part way so you can pull stuff out without detaching the rack?

[Pete Serotta]

SARIS has a very good reputation. I have never used it but the folks I know who have one really like it. I have a inexpensive Detla with does the job for traveling locally. Thule also has one now but I do not know anyone who has tried it.

[WickedWheels]

If it will fit, try the Bones RS. It's fantastic!

[fourflys]

Saris is good, but here is my recommendation...

install a "hidden hitch" and get a hitch mount... that way you'll feel more secure in your bike being locked and a lot of models have a "swing away" mode...

[capybaras]

Thanks!

[LesMiner]

I use the Saris Bones 3 on my Subaru WRX and my wife's Passat station wagon. I am able to position the bones so that the WRX spoiler is out of the way. To mount the rack so that the hatch or trunk lid can be opened, I face the bottom feet to mount in a vertical position and not rest on the bumper. The feet have a large surface area but frequent use will scratch the paint. I think there is a 3M film that is like the clear chain stay protector but in large sheets you can apply to the contact areas. Picture (http://www.saris.com/productImages.aspx?PID=299&count=11)

[Ozz]

I like the Bones rack mentioned above...depending on the clearances around your trunk lid, you should be able to open the trunk with the rack attached.

I put pipe insulation around my tubes where the rack straps hold the bikes to protect the finish..

The rack is very adjustable so virtually no worries that it won't fit.

:beer:

[flickwet]

nothing is safer, more secure and as convenient as installing a hitch receiver then getting a hitch mount rack, It retains access to the trunk even with bikes on the rack, provides real locking capability, and holds the bikes "out" away from the car. however, watch your length and whats behind you but better than the roof, unless ya get rear ended. I will say I was rear ended, destoyed two wheels and a crank and recieved full retail replacement from her insurance company

[fiamme red]

1up USA or Raxter.

http://www.1upusa.com/1upusarackhome.htm

http://www.1upusa.com/raxterrack.htm

[Lifelover]

nothing is safer, more secure and as convenient as installing a hitch receiver then getting a hitch mount rack, It retains access to the trunk even with bikes on the rack, provides real locking capability, and holds the bikes "out" away from the car. however, watch your length and whats behind you but better than the roof, unless ya get rear ended. I will say I was rear ended, destoyed two wheels and a crank and recieved full retail replacement from her insurance company


I'll cast the third vote for a hitch mount rack. If you care about the paint on your car, use a hitch mount rack.

[zap]

Best rack for a sedan.........................is a wagon. Distant second is a Yakima roof rack.

To this day I'm amazed rear hitch posts are legal as currently designed. Those things suck in parking lots and I've seen more than one person drive into one of those attachements.

Also dirt gets sucked into the rear mounted kit like nothing else.

[DaveS]

another vote for the Saris Bones rack. Goes on and off the car in less than 5 minutes, and is very well designed.

[slowandsteady]

http://www.1upusa.com/1upusarackhome.htm

http://www.1upusa.com/raxterrack.htm

These both look really good. I have a THULE hitch mount that I really like BUT there are a few issues to consider:

With a few bikes on the rack they sway a bit and bounce if on rough roads and I worry about the bike finish especially with kids bikes mixed with adult bikes - different sizes bonking into each other and scratching your lovely new $6,000 ride ;-)

Rubbing from the bike holder on the top tube marring or ruining your bikes clearcoat or paint finish.

I like the idea of the racks that hold the bike solidly in place at both ends. Solid connection. no frame damage etc. In retrospect I wish I had gotten one of those at the time...

[fourflys]

Distant second is a Yakima roof rack.
.

I agree, but the OP has already ruled a rook rack out... I have a Yakima two bike set up on my MB C230...

[David Kirk]

I hear this one works well but I don't have personal experience.

Dave

http://www.guzer.com/pictures/boobs_car.jpg

[slowandsteady]

http://www.guzer.com/pictures/boobs_car.jpg

Nice Rack!

[54ny77]

this works pretty good.

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/2752/dsc09718a.jpg